The Colorado Youth Advisory Council, a group of young Coloradans who gather to propose state legislation, has two seats open for one Ute Mountain Ute tribal member and one Southern Ute tribal member.
The council of 40 students has inspired state laws on youth, youths mental health, substance abuse, education and environmental reform.
Tribal members ages 14 to 19 years old can apply for the positions until July 5 and, if accepted, will serve a two-year term through June 30, 2028.
COYAC members split into committees, conducting research and engaging in community outreach to develop policy recommendations that are presented to legislators each summer. The group of teens across the state meets virtually once a week in their committees and has monthly gatherings with all members once a month.
COYAC also provides in-person opportunities to gather in Denver and tour the Capitol with travel funding available. The council offers the opportunity to engage in public speaking, learn about how laws are made and build relationships with policymakers and advocacy groups.
“It really helped me discover what I wanted to do with my life,” Katharine Glover, a COYAC alumni mentor who served for four years on the council, said.
Recently graduated from high school, she plans to attend college as a public and international affairs major.
“COYAC really showed me how being a voice for my community,” Glover, who worked on legislation supporting schools with ADA compliance, said. “I was able to contribute my piece as a young person in the school system.”
Further information can be found at coyac.org/apply and applications can be submitted via email at director@coyac.org.
avanderveen@the-journal.com
